Testimonials

"Dear Ms. McQueen and Staff,
First, thank you for your patience in answering my calls, emails, and concerns this spring. I wanted to make sure that if Noelle went on stage that she would have a positive stage experience, and I had concerns that she would not be able to learn what she needed for that. I VERY much appreciate your patience in taking and answering my queries. Ms. McQueen, in opening up your house and the rehearsals to Noelle, you went above and beyond any expectation I could have in helping the students get ready. The video of the dances was also a tremendous help. We were able to give Noelle plenty of opportunity to learn the choreography she needed, and I appreciate your work in providing these opportunities! My concerns were unfounded.

I also wanted to express my appreciation for your time and effort in doing the recital this spring. It is clear to me that you do not need to do such a show to end the year. However, what you provide is a fantastic opportunity for the kids to perform and to get positive experiences in front of an audience. They are able to perform in a real theatre with costumes, lights, sets, and an audience, AND have the opportunity to show things they learned during the year. I want to thank you for going to all the effort it takes to do this and provide this experience to the kids. In developing these experiences in a positive way now, the kids are learning how to be comfortable in front of an audience and also what it takes to prepare for any performance. It is truly a unique opportunity, and I am excited that Noelle was able to participate.

Thank you again!"

Carol Woodward

"Hi Ladies,
May I extend my sincere congratulations on such a great performance. Lars and I loved the show format - WOW! We are proud to be part of your organization. Tegan had so much fun - and can't wait for more."

Jennifer

"Hi Deborah,
GREAT SHOW - the kids did so well and it was one of the better kids shows I've ever seen, very well prepared, and confident! Congratulations."

Rudi

"Hi Deborah,
I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful show you put on yesterday. It was obvious how much heart and soul was put into it. All the kids did GREAT. You have done a fabulous job with all the kids and the VocalSMARTS kids looked and sounded great. I have to say, I could not believe that was Jordan out there yesterday....I was blown away...she has grown so much in just a year. Great work!"

Sharon

"Dear Mrs McQueen,
Congratulations on the success of the recital. Both my parents and I enjoyed the show. Annabel also enjoyed the experience. I have attended three of your recitals in the past two years. I feel that the piano part from this recital is the best arranged of the three recitals. They are part of the show which is nice and the length of each of the piano groups are nicely arranged. The pieces selected for the show are very enjoyable."

Qi

"Mrs. McQueen,
Bravo! Wow!!!!! How absolutely amazing, and phenomenal was the recital this afternoon. The performance was absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for all of the hard work and love you poured into Isaiah and the children! It was most valuable and I felt so honored, to see your passion manifested today, and to see how beautiful it is to keep children in the arts. YOU, MRS. MCQUEEN ARE WONDERFUL!!"

Leona

"Hi Deborah,
Wow!! I watched Carrier and was very impressed!! Overall, it was excellent - great locations, cinematography, music, interesting shot angles, good variety of shot angles, very ORIGINAL use of shot angles, great direction, green screen, good acting, funny! So I was very impressed. I LOVED the cast, and appreciated how funny and "dopey" they were. Thanks again."

Shelley
makeamoviestudios.com

"Dear Mr. Alexander, I am writing to you to give you accolades for supporting a program like SmartsUnlimited! Three (of my four) children participated in the Willy Wonka theater program over the summer. Not only did they have great fun over the course of the four week long "camp", but the performances were the highlight of the whole thing! They had so much fun! We have lived in Livermore for 12 years and love it. Every year this city gets better and better. I love that Livermore is so supportive of the families who make up this city! The young children of today will be the supporters of this city AND the performing arts in the future! It is so smart of you to support a local innovative program that instills a love of the arts for our future patrons and supporters! I, personally, attended all 11 shows (since I had 3 children participating, one of them had a speaking/singing part in each show). I invited friends and family to come and see the children that they love so much in their public theatrical debut! We had friends from all over come to watch. We even had a friend with 3 children from far away who wants to move here for 4 weeks next summer so that her girls can participate in this amazing program! At the young ages my children are (6, 8, and 10), I believe that the experience the children have gained from this program are invaluable to their self esteem and confidence that is so needed as they move into their adolescent years. There is no other place that I know who supports children the way Deborah McQueen does. She allows the children, and provides, the opportunity to learn, challenge oneself, and shine! Many other programs around here seem to stifle kids because of their age giving the talking/singing roles only to the teenagers. My 8 year old was the witch in "Into The Woods" and the narrator in Deborah McQueen's production last summer! My 8 year old is capable and talented and SHOULD be given opportunity to shine! I believe that children rise to the challenge provided. I believe that most kids are stifled by low expectations and not given the green light to soar! Deborah McQueen gives that green light. Even my 3 year old sat through 8 performances (amazing!). He knows all the songs from Willy Wonka, most of the lines and the blocking. Talk about a positive program! Our community is so fortunate to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable, and committed arts educator as Deborah McQueen. We have taken piano lessons from her for 6+ years now. Very soon, all four of my children will be under her guidance. She has stuck by us through all of the ups and downs of growing up. I will always support her and will, in turn, support any organization who supports her.

So, I want to thank you for supporting a program that is very important to me and my family." `Tracy White "Dear Tracy White, Thank you for your thoughtful email regarding the Willy Wonka performances. We're delighted that your experience with the performances at the Bankhead Theater were such a great success. Clearly Deborah's program is a successful one that is appreciated by those who experience it. I appreciate your taking time to write and share your thoughts with me." Len Alexander Executive Director Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center

"Dear Wonka Queen,
Thanks for a wonderful introduction to theatre. Maddie had a great time, played 5 roles, and learned a ton. It is clear to us that you have both a passion and gift for teaching and acting and singing. Best wishes to you. Hope the next few weeks are relaxing!"

Heather Ritchie/Greg Dierickse

"Dear Deborah,
Your movies were amazing! I am always so impressed with your creativity. Thank you so much for exerything you've done for Grant. Please tell Jim thanks as well for all his hard work and time and thank Erin for hanging out with my 10 year old and taking good care of him! We look forward to ActSmarts and the Pirates of Penzance this summer!"

Melissa

"Dear Deborah,
Thank you for sharing so much of your time, wisdom and support with Savannah in her pursuit to learn how to better play and understand the piano. You are a very special person, and bring so much into our lives. With great appreciation"

Susan and family

"You would have gotten the biggest kick out of some of your Wonka performers last night. My two, the White girls, and Kate Marcel were all at Loards together. The broke into spontaneous reprise of about 5 Wonka songs. They had the customers captured! They sounded good, too! My kids are still enjoying reminiscing about the Wonka shows...weeks later! Hope we can do next year."

Jill

"Thank You so much for this first and wonderful experience. Alize and I are so grateful for your time and effort you put in to this production."

Edith and Alize

"Thanks to you for a fantastic experience. Max said it was his 'dream come true.' Max wants to sign up for next summer."

Debbie DeSantis

"Great work and leadership on your part. Allen will definitely be participating next year."

Nick

"I've said it before but what a gift you were to our family. I will always have the fondest memories of you working with my kids. They adore you and your shoes will never be filled. You are amazing and I feel so fortunate to have had you in our lives!"

Teddy Moya

"Thank you soooooo much for all of your help this week. You are amazing. I LOVE the resume. It is fantastic. I wanted to say thank you for all of the time that you,put into this and for your support."

Debbie DeSantis

"Thanks again for presenting us a great performance at the "Blossoms in Springtime" show. Annabel had a great time and she learned so much. We are really happy to have her be a part of SmARTSunlimited."

Qi Meng

"Thank you for the wonderful recital this year. The Bankhead Theatre gave the event a festive touch! I especially enjoyed the choreography and singing with the Vocal Smart girls. They were a show stealer! Alana thanks you for the time and effort you spent with her on her monologue. What a difference six months makes - from the Spring recital to Winter recital - in Alana's performance! All of our guests were blown away and look forward to future performances."

Patti Hindiyeh

"You and your team do a terrific job with the kids. Your impact on the local community is so important, and without your organization it would be a very quiet world for our children. So thanks for all you do."

Lars Borg

"We are thrilled about your OperaSmarts Program this year! It was such a wonderful growth opportunity for Alex. She made some wonderful friends and role models (including wonderful Erin!!!), loves to sing even more (knows all of the words for INTO THE WOODS!!! And sister, Rachel - 2.5, also has the words pretty much nailed), ... and is inspired!"

We will definitely be enrolling both girls this Fall and look forward to OperaSmarts next summer! Thanks for being an incredible mentor, educator, director/producer...and caring teacher.

Paul and Ellen Cobbe

"There is no doubt the OperaSmarts program has enriched our son's musical and performance arts. The OperaSmarts lessons were very age and development appropriate, and our son couldn't wait to come home and do his homework."

Howard Hyman
President, Fremont Symphony Orchestra
EVP, Fremont Bank

"We really liked the way [Deborah] incorporated music, visuals, videos, and the variety of videos, crafts, and acting. I thought that was absolutely marvelous."

Rowena Morgan
Director, Music Together

"Dear Deborah: I want to thank you for being such a wonderful music educator and working with Demetris this past year. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication."

Penelope and Mike Wagner
Livermore, CA

"I think Deborah McQueen is phenomenal with children, absolutely phenomenal. She has a way of getting the children to do things parents can't by getting them interested, motivated, and excited."

Michelle Potts
Sole Proprietor

"Dear Deborah: Thank you so much for inviting us to participate in the concert with Frederica Von Stade. It was a wonderful experience and a tremendous opportunity! We greatly appreciate all of your hard work and your patience. You are tremendously talented and work so well with children. We were continuously impressed with your ability to motivate and control such young children and were extremely proud of the way the OperaSmarts children behaved. It is all due to your direction. We sincerely hope Nikki has many opportunities to work with you in the future! Sincerely,"

Bruce and Cindy Yamamoto
Pleasanton, CA

"Dear Ms. McQueen: Thank you so much for our wonderful first year with you! You are very gifted not only musically but with children. We are blessed to have found such a joyful experience for our children. With love and appreciation,"

Lia and Philippe Venet
Livermore, CA

"Deborah - Hi! I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Camelot performance. Although Isabel isn't involved in a large role it was still so enjoyable to watch. The sets, the sound, the lighting, the acting, and everything was first rate! Thanks so much for all of the time you put into it and for making Isabel's summer such a creative experience. Now it is time for you to recover and relax, which judging from your high energy is hard for you - but at least try to. Thanks again."

Sundee and Ed Minton

"Dear Deborah, Each year you continue to amaze us with your talents and how you work with children. You've played a significant role in Antonio's development. I'm not sure if acting or music will be his thing but I do know he loves working with you and has learned so much in the last four years! We also find it incredible how Antonio ends up with a role that is perfect for hom. Thank you for all you do! Sincerely,"

Blas and Teddy

"Ms. McQueen, Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to this program. It is truly appreciated by all of us! Our deepest thanks. From"

All the Children and Parents in the
Summer Magic Flute Program

"Hello Ms. McQueen, Thank you for updating us on the OperaSmarts program. I think I told you that we moved to Round Rock TX (near Austin) in December. A couple of weeks ago, Sara enrolled in a one week acting camp with the Kidsloving Program. It was very fun and they put on a mini play and two musical numbers from West Side Story. She really enjoyed it. But I have to congradulate you on your OperaSmarts program - you have the most comprehensive program I have seen. Just wanted you to know how much Sara enjoyed your summer camps. Take care and lots of luck in your new facility."

Sharon Barber

"Hello All, Grant Lowenstein who started in OperaSmarts at the age of 5 is now on the big stage of Woodminster Theater in the production of RagTime (a musical) beginning July 7-16. We would like to give Grant the support he deserves by attending this show. If you would like to see him on Friday - that's when we are going - and the threater has a kid's come free policy if they come with a paying adult. Good stuff! We think Grant is the next Tim Hanks! Congratulations to Grant and his family!"

Deborah McQueen